Khamlia
Khamlia is a short stop near the dunes where you can sit and listen to Gnawa musicians play — drums, iron castanets, and songs that came across the Sahara generations ago.
What stands out
Why this place stays with people
- Live Gnawa music
- Village at the edge of Erg Chebbi
- Stories behind the music
- Mint tea with the musicians
Best time to go
Any time of year, usually on the afternoon you reach the dunes.
From the driver's seat
A relaxed hour between arriving in Merzouga and heading out to camp.
Visitor guide
Your guide to Khamlia
How long to stay
About an hour.
Getting there
About 7 km south of Merzouga.
Worth seeing
- Gnawa music played by families in their own house
- Mint tea with the musicians
- A short walk through the village
Good to know
- The music is played at almost any hour. A tip for the musicians is expected and deserved.
- Join in if they invite you to dance. Nobody minds how it looks.
Routes through here
Ways to make it part of the trip
4 Days · 3 Nights4-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga
Fes to Marrakech, Four Days$540–$730 per person · accommodation included
5 Days · 4 Nights5-Day Sahara & Gorges Tour from Marrakech
Nomad Tracks and Golden Dunes$680–$920 per person · accommodation included
6 Days · 5 Nights6-Day Marrakech to Fes Tour via the Sahara
Across Morocco in Six$820–$1100 per person · accommodation includedKhamlia, your way
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